Asymmetric cell division: Paving the way for cancer insights
Researchers from the University of Manchester have concluded that the process of cell division does not always proceed symmetrically. This discovery may significantly impact the way tissues develop and affect the functioning of the cells themselves.
The research team led by Shane Herbert and Holly Lovegrove at the University of Manchester discovered that cells do not always divide into two identical parts. This finding could have a significant impact on understanding the processes of morphogenesis, meaning the development of tissues and organs.
Asymmetric cell divisions
According to Popular Mechanics, the research demonstrated that the shape of a cell before it begins mitosis can influence whether the cell divides symmetrically. Uneven divisions can lead to cellular diversity, which is crucial for tissue formation. Scientists observed this unique phenomenon in the stem cells of zebrafish embryos.
The discovery could impact cancer treatment processes
This discovery could have far-reaching implications for medicine, particularly in understanding cancer cell division. Asymmetric divisions might affect how cancer cells spread, opening new possibilities for cancer treatment.
Experiments with micropatterning
To verify whether the cell discoveries apply to human cells, scientists used the micropatterning technique. This technique involves placing cells on surfaces of various shapes, allowing manipulation of their form and observing the division process. The research indicated that elongated cells more often maintain their shape during division. This could be crucial for a better understanding of cancer cell division mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic methods.
Future of research
Research published in "Science" may lead to rewriting biology textbooks because it shows that the classical approach to mitosis did not account for all aspects of this process. This discovery could also influence future research on tissue and organ development.
